Before there was Cold Case Files, and six years before the CBS crime drama Cold Case began its run, CBS aired a one-time special titled Cold Case. It aired at 9 pm (Eastern Standard Time) on Friday, April 18, 1997. It was hosted by Richard Crenna (of Rambo fame), and produced by Tim Johnson (producer of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman).

This special provided viewers the opportunity to download actual police files of the cases that were presented on the TV special. In addition, the special featured three unsolved cases (none of which were ever featured on UM). Like Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted, Cold Case featured reenactments. It also provided a phone for viewers to call if they had any information that may help solve any of the cases.

At the time CBS was airing the special, NBC was showing UM on Fridays at 8 pm (EST). So for the night of April 18, 1997, I had the pleasure of getting two hours of unsolved cases: Unsolved Mysteries at 8 pm on NBC, and Cold Case at 9pm on CBS! :)

It was hoped that the Cold Case special would lead to a regular TV series, but unfortunately it never happened. :(